by Jessi Michaels

Created on: September 06, 2009   Last Updated: October 25, 2011

When I look back on all of my birthdays now passed, I have so many wonderful memories. Among those memories are certain material gifts, but if you were to ask me to name them, I think I could come up with about seven - and I am now 50 years old. What I remember most was how special I felt when my mom, each and every year, would tell me the story of my birth. Her face held an expression of love as she repeated the story of how she was afraid that since I was born in January a snowstorm would keep her from getting to the hospital. She recalled all the statistical information. I was born at 12:25 a.m. and I was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 19 inches long. My mom had an easy labor and she couldn't wait to bring me home to meet my brother and sister. I could keep going. My birthday was a day of reviewing my history; it was a day about me. The funny thing is, I knew my parents loved me every day. But once a year, I had a day when I was the focus of four children and I truly felt honored.

My mom passed away seven years ago, and I find my birthday to be the hardest day of the year. It does not matter how many loved ones I am with or how many thoughtful gifts I receive, I no longer have what made me feel most special and honored on my birthday and that was my mom. Even so, I feel her love and our connection especially strong on that day - her voice and stories resonate in my soul and any parties, gifts and cakes are all but forgotten.

When I became a mom, I showered my children with hugs and kisses and, yes, plenty of gifts. I told them the stories my mother told me with the obvious differences. In a blink, they became adults themselves and on their birthdays, I have to be the first to call them - or text, as the times have changed, and we live in different time zones. I do, however, always call again, when I know they are awake. It gives me the chance to tell their stories and they laugh, but I know how much it means to them. The greatest thing is that like me the gifts and experiences they remember most are those that hold a sentimental value. My mom's legacy continues.

I believe children are special every day, but I think a person's day of birth is the most important day and a chance to truly focus on the unique gift of their life. It is fun to indulge those we love and I think we can probably agree that there is a definite joy in doing so, but the most beautiful of all indulgences is love. It is free, no need to wrap it and lasts a lifetime.

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